Pair of Italian Murano Glass Sconces in the Manner of Barovier & Toso, 1950s

Distinguished by their fan-shaped silhouettes, a pair of Italian Murano glass and brass wall sconces from the 1950s, in the manner of Barovier & Toso. Each sconce is centered around a substantial piece of clear Murano glass that rises from a narrow base and opens outward into a broad, gently curved fan.
 
The glass is worked with closely spaced vertical ribs, each carrying a fine, undulating texture that creates an intricate pattern across the surface. These repeated lines follow the expanding shape of the glass, emphasizing its movement while giving the transparent material a sense of depth.

The glass is held within a brass framework. Two slender arms rise along either side of the fan before curling outward into symmetrical scrolls, introducing a decorative flourish that recalls traditional Italian metalwork. At the base, a cylindrical brass fitting is articulated with closely spaced horizontal ridges, echoing the rhythm of the glass above. A small rounded finial completes the composition, giving the sconces a particularly considered finish.

The relationship between these materials is central to the design. The brass has developed a warm, aged patina, and against it, the clear glass appears almost weightless, its delicate surface pattern contrasting with the solidity of the metal.

This balance between historical ornament and modern design is characteristic of Italian decorative lighting during the 1950s. The sconces are particularly evocative of the work of Barovier & Toso, the historic Murano glassmaking house celebrated for its experimentation with glass textures, decorative techniques, and the relationship between glass and light. Rather than relying on color, these pieces draw their visual richness from the manipulation of clear glass itself, allowing texture and transparency to become the primary decorative elements.

When illuminated, the ribbed glass transforms the light into a soft, warm glow. The closely spaced textures catch and scatter illumination across the fan, creating subtle variations in brightness that emphasize its sculptural form. The brass arms remain clearly defined against the luminous glass, framing the light without interrupting its movement.